In 2008, I published my first book, “How to Wow.”

Because of this, I had the opportunity to meet Mary Ann Wasil, a fellow speaker, at a luncheon in Connecticut.

Between you and me, I immediately fell in love.

Mary Ann had had a fascinating career. Among her many accomplishments: being a police officer in real life andplaying one on TV (can you stand it??). 

That day, Mary Ann was talking about Get in Touch, the foundation she started after learning she had breast cancer: GIT’s mission is to provide breast health initiatives that educate women and men of all ages how to “get in touch” with their bodies, with information, and with each other in the crusade against breast cancer.

Now I don’t know about you, but I know very few people who—upon receiving a diagnosis of cancer—would start thinking about how she could make the world a better place for other people. 

That was Mary Ann.

Today, thanks to Mary Ann’s life-giving work, girls from Kansas to Kuala Lumpur know how to care for themselves. Her book, “A Diary of Healing: My Intense and Meaningful Life with Cancer”, is a must-read for anyone who has come in contact with the disease or—wait for it—anyone who wants a good laugh.

Mary Ann could always find the funny.

Mary Ann passed away on April 15th. I’m not writing this post in an “In Memoriam” kind of way; partly because it’s not what she would have wanted, partly because it’s inconceivable to me that we won’t be chatting soon.

But mostly because I wanted to remind myself—and perhaps remind you—of the importance of taking this precious life and doing all I can with it while I’m blessed enough to have it.

To remember that— regardless of the circumstances— hope lives.